Recycled Art & Fashion Show a Success!

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April 22, 2015​

The Recycled Art & Fashion Show celebrated its forth successful year on April 18th at Monte De Oro Winery and Vineyards in Temecula. This unique event, honoring Earth Day, is sponsored by Hine Mazda/Subaru and supported by the contributions of local businesses. Jane Laskin of Lady Jane Productions, is founder and producer of this annual event which raises awareness of creative ways to reduce, reuse and recycle. Wearing a flowing blue gown inspired by the Celtic goddess of streams and wells, Jane spoke before an audience of over 500 people about the growing need to conserve water. She emphasized that, “The most important thing we can do is teach our children, by example, the importance of saving water in our daily lives.”

Forty models presented original fashions to an applauding audience. Designers repurposed a range of discarded material and premiered their expressive and innovative designs. The event’s artistic director, Eileen Doktorski, facilitates the involvement of Mt. San Jacinto College art students, who make up nearly half the event. She believes that, “Individuals involved in community events while in school are more likely to contribute within their communities as artists, volunteers and active citizens after graduation.” Shelly Muñoz, of Hemet’s Western Center Academy showcased her school’s three top student designers. Individuals from the following schools participated as designers or models; Chaparral High School in Temecula, Calvary Murrieta Christian School, Santiago High School in Corona, Gretchen Whitney High School in Lakewood, Menifee Valley Middle School and San Diego State University. Quality student fashions were proudly showcased alongside those of professional designers and established artists.

A panel of five arts professionals awarded the top three designs. “Most Original Design” went to designer Lorraine Page of Escondido for her gown “Allons-y” - French for ‘Let’s Go.’ Taylor Miller modeled this colorful fashion constructed from a collection of foreign travel maps. Mt. San Jacinto College art student, Phillip Figueroa, received an award for “Innovative use of Recycled Material” for “Recycled Trooper.” He felt that his iconic Star Wars’ Storm Trooper, carefully constructed of Dominos’ pizza boxes, would reach out to a newer generation of recyclers. Teresa Goins won “Most Meaningful Expression” for her gown, “Schizophrenia - the not so silent killer.” Modeled beautifully by her daughter Dominique Simmons, this fashion, designed to promote greater understanding of mental illness, was dedicated to the designer’s sister, Tanya McMillan, who suffered from Schizophrenia.

The Event hosts an Art Gallery Exhibit featuring original art made from repurposed materials. John Lynn was this year’s featured artist. He was honored for his life-sized, ballerina, constructed from scrap wood and carved packing foam. The completed figure was painted with a faux-marble finish.

For more information please visit the event website at recycledartshow.com or contact Jane Laskin at jane@temecularecycling.com (951) 440-3574.